LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Blackwell upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Mary B. Talbert Civic and
Cultural Club on April 24, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York
is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those indi-
viduals whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard Blackwell upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club, to be cele-
brated at its Annual Scholarship Gala on Friday, April 24, 2015, at
Salvatore's Italian Gardens, Lancaster, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club hosts an Annual
Scholarship Gala to support the Mary B. Talbert Scholarship Fund, which
provides college tuition assistance to students graduating from a
Buffalo Public School; and
WHEREAS, This year, the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club is
recognizing outstanding health care professionals in Western New York
for their extraordinary service; and
WHEREAS, Richard Blackwell serves as a Research Coordinator/Health
Research Specialist for the VA Western New York Healthcare System's
Million Veteran Program, which partners with veterans to collect blood
samples and health information to study how genes affect health; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he has been a Health Science Specialist with the
Canandaigua VA Medical Center, as well as a Research Coordinator for
Allied Technology Group; and
WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of his duties and responsibil-
ities, Richard Blackwell's ongoing efforts and notable achievements have
significantly contributed to bettering the quality of life in his commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, The success of the VA Western New York Health Care System is
in direct correlation to the efforts of Richard Blackwell, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of this vital institution and the
community it serves; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richard Blackwell has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Blackwell upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club on April 24,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Blackwell.